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lifechanging

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Living Gems

SIMPLY LIFECHANGING RESORTS
FOR ACTIVE OVER 50S.

Imagine waking up with that ‘just started holidays’ feeling — every day. That’s life at Living Gems. Own your home outright in a secure, gated community designed just for over-50s, and enjoy first-class facilities, beautiful homes and a buzzing social scene. We’re not a retirement village — we’re a whole new way of living. Vibrant, affordable, down-to-earth and proudly for people just like you.

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Top 10 downsizing mistakes to avoid
13 May

Top 10 downsizing mistakes to avoid

Thinking of trading big for better? You’re not alone. For a growing number of Aussies over 50, downsizing isn’t just about shedding square metres — it’s about making space for more of what matters. Less stuff, more freedom. Less upkeep, more time for the good things. But as exciting as it is, a move like this still comes with its fair share of gotchas. Whether you’re leaving the family home or heading for a sea or treechange, here are some common downsizing mistakes to dodge — so you can start your next chapter with confidence. Common traps when downsizing (and how to avoid them) Downsizing isn’t about giving up — it’s about gearing up for something better. So, before you start packing boxes, take a moment to think about what your future lifestyle could really look like. 1. Not thinking long-term A smaller house doesn’t mean smaller dreams. Ask yourself: will you want space for visiting grandkids? A veggie patch or a hobby room? Maybe you’re ready...

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Planning your transition to retirement - A practical guide for over-50s
13 May

Planning your transition to retirement – A practical guide for over-50s

After years of juggling work, family, and everything in between, the thought of stepping into retirement should feel exciting — not overwhelming. But let’s face it: for many of us, the idea of calling it quits overnight doesn’t quite fit. That’s where a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy can make all the difference. With a little forward planning, a TTR approach gives you more flexibility and financial freedom as you shift into the next stage of life — your way. What is a transition to retirement strategy? If you’re aged 60 or over and still working, you might be able to access part of your super without fully retiring. A TTR strategy allows you to move some of your super into a TTR pension account. This gives you the option to: Ease back your working hours and top up your income using regular pension payments, or Keep working full-time, increase your salary-sacrificed contributions, and draw a tax-effective income from your super to maintain your take-home pay. You can...

Continue reading

A delicious nod to the season
13 May

A delicious nod to the season

As the cooler months start to roll in, there’s something special about a warm, savoury dish that brings people together. This wild mushroom and parmesan sformato is rich, earthy, and wonderfully comforting – the kind of meal that feels right at home on a cosy autumn afternoon. Chef Matt Conquest says: “It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and ideal as a starter or light meal. “Served with crusty sourdough or fresh greens, it’s full of flavour and simplicity. And the best part? You can swap out the mushrooms for your favourite seasonal vegetable – like cauliflower or baby spinach – to suit your tastes.” Warm, satisfying, and made for good company – it's what Living Gems life is all about. Wild Mushroom and Parmesan Sformato (Italian set cream) Makes 8 x 120 ml moulds INGREDIENTS 10 g dried wild mushrooms, soak in water until soft 10 g dried porcini mushrooms, soak in water until soft 100 g field mushrooms, sliced 100 g button mushrooms 25 ml extra virgin olive oil Truffle...

Continue reading

Top 10 downsizing mistakes to avoid
13 May
Living Gems

Top 10 downsizing mistakes to avoid

Thinking of trading big for better? You’re not alone. For a growing number of Aussies over 50, downsizing isn’t just about shedding square metres — it’s about making space for more of what matters. Less stuff, more freedom. Less upkeep, more time for the good things. But as exciting as it is, a move like this still comes with its fair share of gotchas. Whether you’re leaving the family home or heading for a sea or treechange, here are some common downsizing mistakes to dodge — so you can start your next chapter with confidence. Common traps when downsizing (and how to avoid them) Downsizing isn’t about giving up — it’s about gearing up for something better. So, before you start packing boxes, take a moment to think about what your future lifestyle could really look like. 1. Not thinking long-term A smaller house doesn’t mean smaller dreams. Ask yourself: will you want space for visiting grandkids? A veggie patch or a hobby room? Maybe you’re ready...

Continue reading

Planning your transition to retirement - A practical guide for over-50s
13 May
Living Gems

Planning your transition to retirement – A practical guide for over-50s

After years of juggling work, family, and everything in between, the thought of stepping into retirement should feel exciting — not overwhelming. But let’s face it: for many of us, the idea of calling it quits overnight doesn’t quite fit. That’s where a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy can make all the difference. With a little forward planning, a TTR approach gives you more flexibility and financial freedom as you shift into the next stage of life — your way. What is a transition to retirement strategy? If you’re aged 60 or over and still working, you might be able to access part of your super without fully retiring. A TTR strategy allows you to move some of your super into a TTR pension account. This gives you the option to: Ease back your working hours and top up your income using regular pension payments, or Keep working full-time, increase your salary-sacrificed contributions, and draw a tax-effective income from your super to maintain your take-home pay. You can...

Continue reading

A delicious nod to the season
13 May
Living Gems

A delicious nod to the season

As the cooler months start to roll in, there’s something special about a warm, savoury dish that brings people together. This wild mushroom and parmesan sformato is rich, earthy, and wonderfully comforting – the kind of meal that feels right at home on a cosy autumn afternoon. Chef Matt Conquest says: “It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and ideal as a starter or light meal. “Served with crusty sourdough or fresh greens, it’s full of flavour and simplicity. And the best part? You can swap out the mushrooms for your favourite seasonal vegetable – like cauliflower or baby spinach – to suit your tastes.” Warm, satisfying, and made for good company – it's what Living Gems life is all about. Wild Mushroom and Parmesan Sformato (Italian set cream) Makes 8 x 120 ml moulds INGREDIENTS 10 g dried wild mushrooms, soak in water until soft 10 g dried porcini mushrooms, soak in water until soft 100 g field mushrooms, sliced 100 g button mushrooms 25 ml extra virgin olive oil Truffle...

Continue reading

Why Living Gems?

What is Living Gems?

Living Gems is a lifestyle resort made for over-50s who might be done with work — but definitely not done with life.

Our communities are full of people who are active, independent and up for just about anything. You’ll own a stylish, quality-built home packed with the kind of inclusions other places call ‘extras’ — think solar power, energy-efficient appliances and more.

You’ll also enjoy peace of mind thanks to on-site management, plus some pretty incredible resort-style facilities right on your doorstep, like:

  • a grand ballroom and theatre stage
  • bar and lounge
  • games room
  • cinema
  • library
  • art and craft studio
  • music room
  • gym
  • heated pool, spa and sauna
  • BBQ pavilion
  • and plenty more

Best bit? It’s all surprisingly affordable thanks to our land lease model — your rights are protected under Queensland Government law, and there are no hidden surprises.

Where are Living Gems resorts located?

Living Gems resorts are built in places people genuinely want to live — where natural beauty meets vibrant community, and everything you need is close by, from shops and cafes to medical services.

After creating ten thriving lifestyle resorts across Queensland, we’re stepping into an exciting new chapter. With three new developments in the works — and more to come — the Living Gems story is only getting better.

Can I buy at Living Gems?

Absolutely — and only homeowners live here. That means no renters, no investors — just real neighbours building a real community.

Living Gems uses a land lease model. You own your home, while leasing the land it’s on. That means:

  • no stamp duty
  • no exit or deferred management fees
  • 100 percent of any capital gains are yours if you sell

The only ongoing costs are:

  • your usual household bills (solar power helps keep electricity costs down), and
  • a weekly site fee that covers everything from garden maintenance to resort facilities

Your right to live here is protected by Queensland law — so you’ve got total peace of mind.

Are pets welcome?

Always. Furry, feathered or scaled — pets are part of the family, and they’re more than welcome here.

Can family and friends stay?

Of course! Friends, kids, grandkids — we’re all about welcoming the people you love.

Are there site fees?

Yes — but they’re affordable and straightforward. Site fees are billed monthly and go toward the upkeep of the resort, including all those amazing facilities.

And good news — if you hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs or Australian Pension Card, you could be eligible for a Federal Government rebate.

Can I store my boat or caravan?

Many of our resorts offer on-site storage for boats, caravans and motorhomes — subject to availability. So yes, bring the toys.

What’s the difference between a retirement village and a Living Gems resort?

We’re not a retirement village — and we’re proud of it.

Living Gems is all about lifestyle. It’s for over-50s who might have stopped working but aren’t ready to slow down. Here, independence matters, travel is easy (thanks to lock-up-and-leave convenience), and life is full of community, connection, and choice.

Can you rent in a Living Gems resort?

Nope. All our homes are owner-occupied — no rentals, no investors. That’s part of what makes our communities feel so grounded and connected.

Do you pay rates in a Living Gems resort?

No council rates here. Everything is covered in your weekly site fee — simple.

Are there any exit fees I should know about?

None. Zip. Nada. When you sell, it’s your home and your money — including 100 percent of any capital gains.

Do you pay stamp duty when moving to a Living Gems resort?

Not a cent. Because you’re buying the home (not the land), there’s no stamp duty payable.